Boomers are a generation that loves their traditions. They often stick to what they know and trust instead of adapting or trying new things in the present day. Here are 18 things that will go away forever when boomers are gone.
Landlines
With the evolution of technology, many people no longer use landlines. This is reflected by CNN, which predicts only 5% of landlines will remain by 2030. However, landlines are still used by some boomers, and they often prefer to opt for calling someone via their landline to prevent the possibility of interrupting someone when they’re out.
Fax Machines
Fax machines were once a very important communication tool, especially in the workplace. The introduction of email saw a drastic decline in the fax machine but it’s not quite extinct yet. Some boomers still have fax machines for nostalgic reasons, but it’s likely they’ll be gone when boomers are no longer here.
Rotary Phones
Boomers have strong feelings for rotary phones, as they were a household staple that provided communication for others. Very few use them today, but many boomers own them and use them as vintage décor or collector’s items. It’s unlikely any other generation will have use for them when boomers are no longer around.
Home Milk Delivery
Having milk delivered to your house was a daily routine for many boomer households. It was convenient and provided easy access for many. Supermarkets have seen a decline in home milk delivery as many now prefer to pick up their milk during their weekly shopping.
Suits in the Workplace
Boomers have always taken pride in their appearance on a personal and professional level. It was always important to look your best going into work and this meant putting on a suit. Times have changed, and now, workplaces don’t value this as much and prefer people to wear more comfortable clothing.
Physical Encyclopedias
The Guardian reports that in 1990, the printed Encyclopedia Britannica sold 120,000 sets in the U.S. In 2010, this was just 8,000. Physical encyclopedias were once a primary source of information for boomers. However, today, access to the internet provides many with a much easier and quicker way than flicking through endless pages.
VHS Tapes and Players
VHS tapes were used by many households for decades. They provided further entertainment for the standard TV. However, the evolution of the digital world and streaming services has seen most people, apart from a few boomers, move away from using VHS tapes and players.
Cable TV
Cable TV is beginning to lose out to streaming services. Cable TV was once the go-to for entertainment, but now it takes second place to streaming services that tend to be cheaper and provide access to a wider range of entertainment. Cable TV is still preferred by boomers, even if it’s considered outdated.
Paper Maps
Boomers still prefer to use paper maps, as they trust them more than GPS systems. Younger generations don’t share the same view. They prefer GPS systems, as they’re quicker to use, have more features, and update with new roads and routes, which paper maps can’t do.
Manual Typewriters
Manual typewriters were once the go-to for writing documents instead of handwriting. With the evolution of the computer, typewriter use declined. Some boomers still have typewriters for nostalgic reasons but they’re not an item younger generations will be using in the future.
Physical Bank Branches
According to American Banker, “Analysts say banks are investing more in their online platforms, where customers prefer to handle increasingly more of their banking transactions.” Younger people don’t have the time to go into a branch and speak with someone; they much prefer to talk to someone over the phone or online.
Polaroid Cameras
Polaroid cameras were a great invention that provided boomers with a way to capture the moment. Despite cameras developing, Polaroids are still used by some boomers, as they provide an instant physical photo. However, the younger generation has no use for them, as their smartphones have cameras.
Smoking in Public Places
Back when boomers were growing up, many people smoked, and it was common for people to smoke in public places. Thankfully, for everyone’s health, in most places across the world, this is now illegal. With younger generations opting not to smoke and people understanding the health complications, it’s likely smoking in public places will soon not be a thing.
Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks have been a popular household item for many decades. They are usually passed down the generations; however, it’s likely that after boomers are gone, the younger generations won’t use them. They view them as outdated and taking up too much space, as they prefer more simplistic household furnishings.
Dial-up Internet Connections
Boomers will remember the excitement of waiting around for the dial-up to connect so they could access the internet. Today, it would be seen as painful and lengthy with how quick broadband has gotten, but some boomers are still stuck in their ways and opt for the long-winded option.
Owning Physical Media
Boomers have always been owners of physical media and still are today. Whether it’s vinyl records, CDs, or DVDs, you’ll be sure to find them in a boomer’s house. Younger generations have no use for these items and for this reason, they’re unlikely to be passed down when boomers are gone.
Workplace Loyalty
Workplace loyalty is likely to become a thing of the past when boomers are no longer around. Boomers have always had the view that you should stay loyal to your employer and often spend their whole careers with the same company. Younger generations feel it’s important to change employers if you’re no longer being rewarded correctly.
Writing Letters by Hand
It’s very rare to receive a letter today that is handwritten. This is thanks to quicker communications, improved internet connections, and low-cost phone calls. Boomers still opt for this personal touch, but younger generations don’t. Younger people don’t understand the thoughtfulness of writing a letter.
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